Thursday, May 01, 2008

Pasta, Pizza, Panini- oh my!

Yesterday we ended our land tour of Italy. We started in Rome and nearly walked the soles off of our shoes on the first day...the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museum, and the Sistine Chapel. All that before we even checked into our room! On the second day we found ourselves in Ancient Rome touring the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Rome was magical and a great way to start off the trip- the history and art are beyond description- you could literally stay there for weeks and not see everything. I can't imagine it in the "busy" season though, the streets already were quite packed.

From Rome we went to Trento and visited Mario & Ely. Trento is a beautiful village set in the valleys of the Italian Alps. Apparently we brought the sun- it was gorgeous the entire time and the green hills seemed to glow. Mario & Ely were the most incredible hosts (thank you!) providing shelter, food, tours, and great company. We miss them already!

They also took us to Venice for the day on Sunday...and there's nothing quite like this place. Every picture is a good picture! But the fun had to end eventually and Monday morning we left for Cinque Terre.

We decided to stay in Monterosso (the most northern of the 5 lands) because it had the biggest beach...however, it rained most of the time which made sunbathing difficult. We stayed two nights in Cinque Terra, but paid for 3...no, we didn't leave early...we simply decided to watch a football game (soccer for you Americans) in a neighboring town and missed our train back. The next train was coming at 4:30 in the morning and taxis weren't an option at that late hour (midnight) so we decided to stay the night in a hotel instead of the station. I sound calm now, but believe me...I wasn't!

As expected the food was great...but eating pizza and pasta for every meal did take it's toll (talk about carb-loading, I think I've gained 20 lbs.). The only food Jeff didn't tire of was the gelato ;) Don't get me wrong, the food in Italy is wonderful, but it did make us appreciate the variety we experience back at home.

(*warning: a ridiculous amount of photos below)


The twin churches at the Piazza di Popolo- we stayed just around the corner of the church on the left and were very happy with our location.


Trevi Fountain


Looks like I'll be coming back to Rome, a coin in the fountain will do ya!


The Pantheon


The hole at the top of the Pantheon illuminates the windows inside when the sun hits it correctly. It was originally built as a pagan building...maybe this was designed to reveal one of their many gods?


Vatican city from a distance.



The statue of Peter at St. Peter's Basilica- if you touch the foot something happens..but I can't remember what.



Peter is believed to be buried here.


The road to the Sistine Chapel is a long one...filled with an incredible amount of art (that you can photograph)


You aren't allowed, however, to photograph the Sistine Chapel...rules!? Ha! Jeff laughs in the face of them, and slyly used his iPhone. You can see the creation- good work Jeff!


The Colosseum



Look, Jeff's holding up the arch (nevermind the group of people standing in beween).



Jeff was amazed by the amount of marble that was lying around...it was from the 2nd century and you could just sit on it. Apparently they have so much history they can't put everything in a museum.


Jeff wanted to take this piece..he didn't think they'd miss it. But I told him that it was selfish so we left it behind. Can you believe him?


Spices at Campo di Fiori


Disturbing logo on the side of a delivery van. I hope it's from ancient mythology instead of a recent creation from the owner of the company!


Gelato at Gigi's favorite spot (sorry we didn't sit down to eat Gigi)


On the train


A monastery built on a huge cliff just outside of Trento.


The story behind this picture is that one of the monks (from the above monastery) left on horseback one day to visit the Bishop in Trento and on the road was met by a bear who ate the horse. Thankfully, through divine intervention, the monk was able to then ride the bear to visit the bishop. I'm not sure why he isn't riding it in the picture...perhaps the bear needed a rest after carrying a person thrice his size. Jeff was particularly fascinated by this story ;)



Mario & Ely



Can you believe what they feed their kids? Mario and Ely where even surprised. Turkey, rabbit, and ostrich!




Venice





Ponte Rialto


The crew in San Marcos Square




An Italian dryer. This is in the Jewish ghetto in Venice.



The bridge of sighs. The last place prisoners saw sunlight as they walked from the courthouse across to the prison.


Monterosso, Cinque Terre



Vernazza, Cinque Terre- When I was here 9 years ago Jocelyn and I stayed in the main terra cotta building with an old italian couple.


Arrivederci Italia!

16 comments:

katie on the front porch said...

beautiful pictures! you guys look great!

oh yeah, we miss you!

love,
the d's

Pat said...

Nice updates! What a magnificent journey you're on. I can make a DVD of all of your photos. You should currently be on a train to Grenoble.

amyrenee said...

Romulus and Remus, said to be the founders of Rome and raised by a wolf.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romulus_and_remus

Rebekah said...

oh my word it all looks so incredible! Looks like you had an amazing time with Mario and Ely too - enjoy Grenoble!

The Courter Family said...

so fun!! oooh, I've been looking for rabbit and ostrich for Eli...can you bring some back with you?? oh, Jeff...should'a taken the marble bit! but good job on the iphone photo!

Katie, Ryan, Sean, and Molly said...

WoW! Love the pictures! Thanks for taking the time to post them while still on your trip. Can't wait to see the next stop!!!

CristieMaye said...

i miss italy so much! keep the pics comin'. i love it.

love,
cristie

Kristen Gough said...

wow, italy... it has been the best to read about your trip and see your photos, jenny! you are truly on an amazing trip!

Jocy May said...

i love that we stayed in a place that's in tons of postcards- easy to remember!

La Dolce Vita said...

We miss you, Jenny and Jeff! It was so nice to spend time together and we hope it will be possible to do it again soon!

Pictures are GREAT...we are going to make a post as well...

After you left, Ely and I got sick...and now we are spending the weekend in bed with fever and cough!!! Fortunately we didn't pass it to you!!

Enjoy the rest of your trip...and keep posting!

love,
Mario and Ely

Brianne said...

You have such talent Jenny- your pictures are absolutely incredible!
Jeff- great job with the iPhone, you sly guy you.
I also noticed Jeff and Scott have the same sweaters- TWINZIES!!!!!

simonsenfamily said...

I am loving these and check everyday (even thought I don't comment).

Kyle said...

fabulous pictures Jenny and Jeff. We've really enjoyed sharing bits of your trip through your blog, thanks for taking the time to post. Pretty amazing painting of the monk and the bear! And I hope Jeff is recovering from sitting on those spikes in front of the lamborghini dealership - ouch! Its amazing to see the pictures of the sculptures and historic buildings. Look forward to hearing more and seeing you guys soon.

Kyle

Unknown said...

Loved the pictures...especially the one with you and Jeff reflecting in a mirror (at least I think that's what it is). It's hard to express how grateful I am that you're having such a beautiful experience together. Being two of my most favorite and beloved people, your happiness is my happiness. Lots of love to you both!

Casey said...

I've really loved reading about your adventures overseas! :) Great pics, can't wait to hear more about it when you get back...I'm sure there are more stories!

Eugenio Carpinteri said...

Good presentation...

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